Living in these times, where everything is expensive and the price only keeps increasing, is already very difficult and on top of that, if you or your family falls below the low-income line, it becomes even harder to survive. The government tries to help people who need it with different schemes end programs. One such program is SNAP and the EBT card that comes with it. Here we will see about What is Pennsylvania EBT Card?
EBT card or in expanded form, Electronic Benefits Transfer card, is provided by the state welfare departments in America to provide food and cash assistance to low-income households. There are certain checkboxes you need to tick to be eligible to receive this help. Even if your eligibility status is not known to you, you should still apply and the department decides whether to provide you with the benefits or not. You can apply by filling out a form, either online or offline. If you are eligible and qualify for SNAP assistance and cash assistance, you will get the EBT card and you can use it for the benefits provided.
EBT Card In Pennsylvania –
Similar to other states in America, Pennsylvania also provides food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Economic benefits are also provided through the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TA FDC) or Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) via Pennsylvania access EBT card for low-income households. EBT card is like a debit card, which can be swiped through an electronic reader or POS to pay and requires a PIN of four numbers to access your account.
Requirements To Be Eligible For EBT Card –
As with every other benefit, the eligibility criteria for this card are also present to get these aids and you should also be approved by the department first. There are certain requirements that should be checked out to get approved. There are limits set on your gross and net monthly incomes, the first one can’t be more than 130 percent and the second one should not be more than the limit of the poverty line. Earned and unearned income both are counted. The documents that are needed are your ID, proof of citizenship, disability, residence, and school attendance, if any, medical and household expenses, and your income. Other information like information about your job, finances, or some other personal information may be needed too.
Your eligibility will be decided through your net income if there is a person with a disability or if there is a person who is under the age of 18 or has crossed the age of 60 and is living in your household. But if a person falls under the category of able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), they need to be working a minimum of 80 hours each month or can also join a training program, but that too for at least 20 hours a week, to receive the benefits. Otherwise, the benefits they receive will not be null but they wouldn’t be much either. It will only be for three months and that too for every three years.
How To Apply For The Benefits?
First, an application form needs to be filled, which you can do so either online or in person along with Submitting all the documents that are required. After that, your application is reviewed for eligibility, which also includes an interview, which is scheduled mainly to verify the information and documents that you have submitted. After your eligibility is ascertained, the level of benefits that will be provided to you is determined based on your income and the number of members in your household. When all this is done, an account is started for you, and the benefits are transferred to it every month on a fixed date.
The card is in the name of the designated household member through which these benefits can be utilized. A secondary card can also be issued to an authorized adult of the household upon the primary cardholder’s approval. If a disabled person is not able to use the EBT card, they can designate an authorized representative (AR) also.
Benefits of The EBT Card –
There are many pros to an EBT card. Of course, you can get food. You don’t have to pay the surcharges or the taxes applied on sales. You can buy some beverages too, but they can’t be alcoholic. You can also receive some discounts through it and some offers too. There are some chances of free entry to many places also, such as museums, aquariums, and zoos because of the card. Cash benefits are also provided which can be accessed through ATMs. There are many locations in Pennsylvania where no surcharges are applied on the withdrawal of cash from the ATMs through an EBT card. Sometimes cash back with your EBT card is also provided. But you cannot use your EBT card on alcohol or in certain facilities like casinos and race tracks.
Conclusion –
EBT card is a very important asset for households in Pennsylvania that comes under the poverty line. The card enables them to receive food and economic assistance. To apply for the EBT card, either an offline application or an online application needs to be sent in. Once the application is reviewed and verified for eligibility, the card is issued and you can use it to utilize the benefits provided.
F A Qs –
- Can the EBT card be replaced?
Answer – Yes, you can apply for a replacement in certain cases. The first being if the card was damaged. You can also get it replaced if it was stolen. Losing it can also be counted as a reason.
- What counts as unearned income?
Answer – Cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support come under unearned income.
